As SUPT. Gbolomen SIAKOR lauds companies for ‘timely intervention.“
Gbarnga, – To guarantee a steady supply of water for prisoners and staff, Jeety Rubber and its subsidiary, Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC), have repaired a broken hand pump at the Gbarnga Central Prison and declared plans to construct deeper wells.
In a statement issued Friday, the companies noted that repair work could only be completed on one hand pump instead of the planned three, as assessments revealed the depth of the pump wells to be too short. The statement also cited the same issue for the deep bore well.
“The water crisis at the prison is not just the result of damaged hand pumps and bore equipment, but also the short length of the wells, which makes reaching the water table during the dry season difficult,” the companies said in a joint statement.
Gbarnga Prison Superintendent Gbolomen SIAKOR wrote to the companies’ founder and CEO, Mr. Upjit Sachdeva, to thank Jeety Rubber and SRC for their prompt action during what she called a “terrible situation.”
“We the Management of Gbarnga Central Prison, along with all the inmates in our custody, extend our deepest thanks and appreciation for your kind and serving humanity gesture towards our water crisis issue,” Supt. SIAKOR wrote. “Your [companies’] kind gesture to the disadvantaged side of the society is a sign of greatness and service for the human race.”
Supt. SIAKOR further stated that she expects the humanitarian collaboration between Jeety Rubber and SRC will be the start of a long-term partnership, adding that the Gbarnga prison is “open to receive your assistance anytime is needed.”
It is reported that since December 1, 2024, the prison has been dealing with water problems which has forced guards and convicts to rely on sporadic supplies that are scarce. The water shortage, according to the report, compelled the prison administration to bring water into the neighborhood.
In order to achieve sufficient water levels all year round, the firms also stated that they will further develop the deep bore well and the two hand pump wells that are still in use. It is anticipated that the drilling activities will start next week and be finished in the upcoming months.
“We are committed to ensuring that the prison has reliable access to clean water year-round,” the companies’ statement added. “Our team is already mobilizing equipment to begin drilling operations.”
Prison authorities, meanwhile, have praised the project and expressed optimism that it will permanently address the facility’s water problem. One of the most crowded jails in Liberia is the Gbarnga Central Prison, which accommodates several hundred prisoners in Bong County.
